Creative New Zealand welcomes new Arts Council Chair

Creative New Zealand has welcomed the appointment of Dr Dick Grant as the new Chair of the Arts Council, replacing Alastair Carruthers who has resigned from 31st March.

Dr Grant (pcitured) has been a member of the Arts Council since July 2012 after a 40 year career working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Pacific, Europe, Australia and Asia.

He is a former New Zealand Ambassador in Bonn and Paris and a former High Commissioner in London and Singapore.

From January 2008 until March 2012, Dr Grant was Executive Director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, which works to increase New Zealanders' understanding of and links with Asia through a range of business, cultural and education programmes.

Speaking about his appointment Dr Grant stated "Creative New Zealand does important work in developing New Zealand's cultural strengths, so I am looking forward to contributing as Chairman to build on the successes the organisation has achieved."

Outgoing Chairman Alastair Carruthers served nearly six years as Chair of the Arts Council, and six prior years as Chairman or member of the Arts Board.

For more information go to www.creativenz.govt.nz/en/

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